Trades

Veterans Wanted | 6 Trades Veterans Can Excel In

January 25, 2024 by Tim McMahon

After serving your country as a veteran, transitioning to civilian life and finding meaningful employment can be challenging. But being a veteran makes you uniquely qualified for certain types of jobs. Your skills, work ethic, and dedication make you perfect for many trades and businesses.

In this post, we’re going to highlight six trades or businesses any veteran can excel in. These industries capitalize on your experience, discipline, and dedication to serve—both in the military and in civilian life. So, whether you’re a recent veteran or have been out of the service for a few years, read on to find a career path that suits you. Let’s get started!

Emergency Services

Emergency services, like EMT and fire service, are military-style operations. They require teamwork, quick thinking, and tremendous attention to detail. Veterans who can think on their feet and thrive in high-pressure environments make excellent first responders. You can quickly transition to a career in emergency services as both careers require a sense of service and require that you put the good of the community over the good of yourself.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in emergency services, there are several steps you can take to make yourself more competitive for the job. First, ensure that your resume highlights any relevant experience or skills from your time in the military such as first aid training, combat lifesaver certification, or leadership roles. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) The median annual wage for emergency medical technicians was $36,680 in May 2022. while the median annual wage for paramedics was $49,090. The median annual wage for firefighters was $51,680. and for F ire Inspe ctors was $65,800.

You may also consider obtaining certifications specific to the field such as CPR, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), or Firefighter I and II certifications. Networking with current or former emergency service personnel can also provide valuable insight and potential job opportunities, so don’t hesitate to get out there and connect.

Construction

Construction work requires a soldier’s mindset, including attention to detail, hard work, and discipline. Veterans can apply the leadership skills they learned during their military career and bring them to construction sites where teamwork is a core component. Whether on a building site or in maintenance, veterans’ physical stamina and attention to detail are huge assets to any construction team. [Read more…] about Veterans Wanted | 6 Trades Veterans Can Excel In

Why Woodworking and Manual Trades Are Still in Demand

May 14, 2020 by Guest Contributor

Today, more and more students are turning away from the conventional route of earning a college degree to get a job in lieu of alternative careers. Trades like woodworking and similar occupations offer talented students the opportunity to embark on a fruitful and rewarding career in their trade of choice. Read on to learn why certain trades are still in demand in 2020.

There’s an Increase in Demand for Skilled Tradespeople

Trades like woodworking are constantly in demand, regardless of the season. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) woodworkers manufacture a variety of products such as cabinets and furniture, using wood, veneers, and laminates. A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required to become a woodworker. Although some entry-level jobs can be learned in less than 1 year, becoming fully proficient generally takes several years of on-the-job training. The ability to use computer-controlled machinery is becoming increasingly important. The median annual wage for woodworkers was $32,690 in May 2019.

Carpenters work indoors and outdoors on many types of construction projects, from installing kitchen cabinets to constructing, repairing, and installing building frameworks and structures made from wood and other materials. Carpenters typically learn on the job and through apprenticeships. The median annual wage for carpenters was $48,330 in May 2019.

Job vacancies in electrical, construction, and industrial trades make these types of careers ideal for anyone hoping to have guaranteed work after completing their training. As more people move away from apprenticeships and trades, the demand for skilled workers will only increase.

Tradespeople Earn High Salaries

While pursuing a career as a tradesperson [Read more…] about Why Woodworking and Manual Trades Are Still in Demand

How Much Does a Brick Mason Earn?

February 14, 2013 by Jorgen Rex Olson

Brick Mason Salary

While being among the highest paid trades in the construction industry, brick masons’ wages have been stagnant over recent years due to the slump in the housing industry.

Although their numbers constitute a rather small category within the group of trades making up the construction industry, brick masons do very well in comparison to their colleagues. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2011 the mean or average income for a brick mason was $54,210 annually or about $27.04 per hour. This puts them only just below the first-line construction supervisors averaging $59,280 per year or $28.50 hourly. Compare this with their Construction Laborer colleagues earning $26,490 per year and you have a significant wage disparity. Brick masons also do very well in comparison to the technical trades. The mean incomes for electricians, plumbers and heating tradespeople during 2011 were $41,860, $44,330 and $38,470 respectively, or, on average, 23% less than for brick masons.

Construction is Picking Up

Considering the recent increase in activity for both residential and commercial construction, all of the building trades, and especially brick masons, have reason to celebrate. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is predicting a 40 percent increase in employment for the bricklaying trade during the ten-year period beginning 2010 through 2020. This compares with only a 14 percent increase for all occupations combined. Given this sudden growth in demand for additional bricklaying capacity, it seems inevitable that wages are bound to rise – or are they? During the single year from May 2010 to May 2011, the median annual income for Brick Masons actually dropped from $46,930 to $46,800; less than 1 percent but still a decrease. The median is that number at which half of the reported wages fall above and the other half is below.

Annual Wages for Brick Masons

Year — Median Income

2002 — $41,840

2003 — $41,550

2004 — $41,740

2005 — $41,860

2006 — $42,980

2007 — $44,070

2008 — $45,630

2009 — $46,740

2010 — $46,930

2011 — $46,800

It is clear from the data, that [Read more…] about How Much Does a Brick Mason Earn?